Ward revelling in Emerging Ireland tour experience
Sevens Olympian Zac Ward was delighted with his try-scoring display in Emerging Ireland's opening tour win over the Pumas in Bloemfontein.
Back row says change to Premiership Women’s Rugby will help underdogs and challenge clubs to manage their squads The shortened Premiership Women’s Rugby season will test all nine clubs’ squad depth, says Saracens back row Poppy Cleall ahead of the league start this Saturday. This season has the same amount of fixtures but in a shortened schedule. Last season the league ran from November to June but the 2024-25 campaign starts in October and will end in March. The shortened schedule, which also includes rest weeks, is in place so internationals can have a rest period between the Women’s Six Nations and the 2025 Rugby World Cup, which is being hosted in England and starts on 22 August. Continue reading...
Sevens Olympian Zac Ward was delighted with his try-scoring display in Emerging Ireland's opening tour win over the Pumas in Bloemfontein.
Former Wallabies playmaker James O’Connor signed for Super Rugby powerhouse, the Crusaders, with the Kiwi outfit calling him "world-class". The post Crusaders confirm ex-Wallaby signing appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Defence and discipline were key areas of influence for the Springboks in the 2024 Rugby Championship, but control and composure won them the title, writes MARK KEOHANE. The post Bok champs’ stats a powerful statement appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former Wallabies playmaker James O'Connor signed for New Zealand Super Rugby powerhouse Canterbury Crusaders Friday, with the club calling him "world-class".
England fly-half George Ford has been handed a fitness boost for the November internationals after it was confirmed his quad injury doesn’t need surgery.
Sharks coach John Plumtree has confirmed that scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse will be the only Springboks international to join the team in the first block of United Rugby Championship games.
Bulls utility back David Kriel says he still harbours dreams of playing for the Springboks despite not having any alignment conversations with the national management staff.
Springbok veteran Deon Fourie revealed that his current injury is just a setback as he eyes a return to rugby in November.
Two sets of brothers will run out for the Sharks in Saturday's second United Rugby Championship game on the road when they meet Dragons RFC in Newport, Wales. Fresh off his Rugby Championship exploits for the title-winning Springboks, Jaden Hendrikse comes into the starting line-up, joining brother and fullback Jordan, with the Tshituka brothers, captain Vincent and Emmanuel both playing in the back row. Jaden Hendrikse, in for Bradley Davids at scrumhalf, is the only change made by head coach John Plumtree to the starting XV, with Phepsi Buthelezi and Francois Venter returning to the side, both named on the bench. With a 100% success record against the Dragons in the three URC campaigns to date, the Sharks have history behind them. But, according to forwards coach Warren Whiteley, they take no expectation into this game based on past results. "We have high standards for ourselves and regardless of who we play, we put that pressure on ourselves to perform," Whiteley told the Sharks website. "We were disappointed in our second-half performance against Connacht, but what's great about this competition is that we have another opportunity this week. "The Dragons gave Leinster a good go last week and beat Ospreys in the first round, so they're a quality side, particularly at home, and they'll be determined to get a victory there, so we know what we're up against. "But we're focusing on bettering our game, on improving the execution of our game model." Fortunately for the Sharks, this is more of a settled week after a short trip from Ireland into Wales as they prep for Saturday's clash. "We've had our first full week in quite a long time to prepare for this game, and that's lekker because we're nice and settled," continued Whiteley. "What's important for us is that we've taken lessons out of last week's game and we really have to look forward to the challenge that the Dragons will bring to this match." He added that a crucial phase of the game is the early stages when the result can often be set up and this is a focal point for the team. "They have some quality players and strengths in certain areas and we know how important a good start is. For us, it's about being more accurate in the first 20 minutes and applying pressure, or transferring pressure if needs be, and then keeping ball in hand in the right areas to put points on the board. "It's a good challenge and it's great to tour early in the season, you feel connected as a group." Sharks - 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Manu Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka (c), 6 James Venter, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Dylan Richardson, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Lionel Cronje, 23 Francois Venter
Flying high for the Springboks prior to his knee injury, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu provides an update on his rehabilitation with this clip from the DHL Stormers HQ. The post Watch: Sacha steps up his recovery appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Dumke, playing in her 32nd Test, will be wearing the captain's armband for the third time in her career, having led South Africa twice against Kenya in 2021. She takes over the role from Nolusindiso Booi, who will play off the bench with a chance to extend her national record to 48 Test caps. Dumke's return to the starting line-up is one of several changes made by Swys de Bruin and the coaching staff following their 31-24 win over Japan last weekend. She takes over from Sizophila Solontsi at flanker, while Danelle Lochner swops jerseys with Booi in the other change to the starting pack. In the backline, Unam Tose will make a first start at scrumhalf this year, while Zintle Mpupha comes in for Eloise Webb in the midfield, where she will combine with Chumisa Qawe, the vice-captain for Saturday. Webb moves to fullback in place of Libbie Janse van Rensburg, who picked up a leg injury in training this week and was ruled out of the match. De Bruin again opted for a split of six forwards and two backs on the bench, from where scrumhalf Felicia Jacobs and utility back Byrhandré Dolf are in line to make their first WXV appearances this year, while Solontsi will join the finishers this time around. De Bruin reiterated the fact that the Rugby World Cup in England next year remains the main focus in evolving and selecting the squad and said this weekend's match-23 were deemed best for the Australian challenge. "We have 30 players in the squad and have the luxury of tweaking numbers here and there," said De Bruin. "Lusanda was not available for selection against Japan as she was completing her return to play protocols, but she is ready now and being the world-class player she is, will be at her best come Saturday. She is the captain of the Bulls Daisies as well, so she will not have any problems in that regard. It is also part of our strategy to build depth in the leadership group. "Injuries are also part of the game. Last week we lost Lindelwa Gwala and this time around, Libbie is not available. As is always the case with injuries, it does create opportunities for the next player." De Bruin said they were not forced into any selections by Australia's good win over Wales last weekend, but did credit their performances. "They really played well against Wales and that was probably the best performance of round one," he said. “For us though, it is all about ourselves and how we can best elevate our strengths and minimise our errors. We have a strategy for this match, have prepared well and will be ready to deliver a good performance at Athlone Stadium.” Springbok Women - 15 Eloise Webb, 14 Jakkie Cilliers, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Chumisa Qawe, 11 Ayanda Malinga, 10 Nadine Roos, 9 Unam Tose, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 6 Lusanda Dumke (captain), 5 Vainah Ubisi, 4 Danelle Lochner, 3 Babalwa Latsha, 2 Roseline Botes, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie. Replacements: 16 Micke Gunter, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Azisa Mkiva, 19 Nolusindiso Booi, 20 Catha Jacobs, 21 Sizophila Solontsi, 22 Felicia Jacobs, 23 Byrhandre Dolf.
Meet Emily Henrich, Leicester Tigers' United States international who has swapped aerial skiing for rugby union.
Schickerling capped a stand-out performance in his United Rugby Championship debut for the DHL Stormers last Saturday with a try against the Ospreys in Bridgend, in their opening game of a three-week tour to Europe. The 29-year-old lock returned to the Stormers this season after several years playing in Japan, having first graduated from the Western Province youth system to the professional ranks. "It is nice being back in the jersey and representing the Stormers," Schickerling told the club's website. "I was really excited about my first game, especially because it was my first in the Vodacom URC. Last time I was in South Africa, I was still playing Super Rugby. "It's been awesome getting to bond with the guys, especially on tour. It's the best place to get to know my teammates and connect with them. It's been good for me as well, learning about how everyone operates. "What has stood out is the team's drive. Everyone wants to be on the same page and do very well in this competition. It's exceptional. Everyone wants to get better and work on the small things, which I enjoy." Locks Ruben van Heerden and Adre Smith last season developed a highly effective partnership in the second row for the Stormers, and Schickerling has linked up with the formidable duo seamlessly. "I've slotted in pretty well. It's been so easy working with everyone," he explained. "They have been so good with me coming back in. That excitement just makes it so much easier, especially when it comes to working with guys like Ruben and Adre. "Ruben and I both like playing at No. 4 and No. 5. That also makes it so easy when it comes to sharing the workload. Even though you are either playing at 4 or 5, your work stays the same. The only difference is that at No. 5, you are calling the lineouts. "It's nice to help each other out in that aspect, especially during a game, because I also like to call line-outs. So if I see something, then I will communicate that." The Stormers were edged by the Ospreys in a hard-fought encounter at Dunraven Brewery Field. The clash was their opening match of the fourth URC season, and Schickerling is confident they can bounce back against Zebre Parma at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi on Saturday, before concluding their tour in Edinburgh. "On tour you want to win that first game because that sets the standard for the rest of the tour, so it's disappointing to lose," he admitted. "Mistakes happen and that's part of the game. For us now, it's to focus on the next game and make sure we capitalise on our opportunities. The spirit and mood in the camp has been good. "The guys know what we need to work on, and we are in a good space. The quicker we get into our stride, the easier it will be. We know what we want to achieve."
The Springboks are reportedly organising a global media event before the world champions’ November Tests, where they will offer unprecedented access to 28 players. The post Boks to copy All Blacks brand plan appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.